a (1): to take hold for support :cling<she hung on his arm>(2): to keep persistent contact <dogs hung to the trail>(3): to maintain or continue holding a position <hang behind>(4): to stay even :keep up —usually used with with<trying to hang with the leader>

b: to be burdensome or oppressive <time hangs on his hands>

8

: to be uncertain or in suspense <the decision is still hanging>

9

: to lean, incline, or jut over or downward

10

: to be in a state of rapt attention <hung on her every word>

11

: to fit or fall from the figure in easy lines <the coat hangs loosely>

12

: to pass time idly or in relaxing or socializing <hanging at the beach> —often used with around or out<hung out with friends>

13

of a thrown ball: to fail to break or drop as intended

— hang·able\ˈhaŋ-ə-bəl\adjective

— hang fire

1

: to be slow in the explosion of a charge after its primer has been discharged

Usage Discussion of HANG

For both transitive and intransitive senses 1b the past and past participle hung, as well as hanged, is standard. Hanged is most appropriate for official executions <he was to be hanged, cut down whilst still alive … and his bowels torn out — Louis Allen> but hung is also used <gave orders that she should be hung — Peter Quennell>. Hung is more appropriate for less formal hangings <by morning I'll be hung in effigy — Ronald Reagan>.

Origin of HANG

partly from Middle English hon, from Old English hōn, v.t.; partly from Middle English hangen, from Old English hangian, v.i. & v.t.; both akin to Old High German hāhan, v.t., to hang, hangēn, v.i. — more at cunctation